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Acupuncture and Yoga compliment each other for better health

When comparing yoga and acupuncture, there are quite a few similarities between the two practices. Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncturists) work to ensure the smooth flow of Qi within the body. Qi can be translated as ‘life force’.

In Ayuverdic medicine, yoga practitioners refer to ‘Qi’ as Prana. TCM and Yoga activate the smooth flow of Qi/Prana in a different way, but both are based on Eastern Philosophy with similar ideas. Both Yoga and TCM are used to create free flowing energy whether it is Qi or Prana.

In TCM there are energetic pathways in the body. These pathways are called Meridians. When the energetic flow within the meridians becomes blocked, the result can show up as a variety of symptoms such as pain, emotional ups and downs and fatigue. Acupuncturists strive to remove any blockages within these pathways to create free flowing Qi within the meridians and reduce and/or eliminate the symptoms thereby bringing the body back into balance.

The complementary nature of yoga and acupuncture is reflected in their common goal of releasing stagnation of energy in the meridian systems and their related organs or in the blood. While yoga provides the format to release the blockage, acupuncture and meridian theory provides a framework to understand which poses are best for a condition.

While yoga strengthens and stabilizes the flow of qi/prana, acupuncture and herbs dramatically enhance one’s healing and overall health goals. Acupuncture will also intensify and speed recovery of each yoga session, helping one to move forward in their health and mental state with clarity, focus and increased sense of well-being.

Yoga practice and Traditional Chinese Medicine (Acupuncture and herbs), concurrently have time tested treatments that date back 5,000 years. My acupuncture assessment is to derive treatment protocols that will dramatically enhance the healing process.

Warrior II focuses on the lymphatic system and the hips and knees. The emphasis on these joints are related to the gall bladder, spleen and stomach meridians. These organs help the lymphatic system by increasing digestion and immune fluid. By stimulating certain acupuncture points on the Gallbladder, spleen and stomach meridians, digestive fluids increasing thereby boosting the immune system via the gut.

Wheel and other backbends can effectively and sometimes very intensely stretch the stomach and spleen meridians. This pose can help prevent your body from acid reflux, heartburn and other stomach issues. Various combinations of spleen and stomach meridian points will discourage acid reflux while calming the mind of excessive worry. These points will also help one to maintain focus and mental clarity without the distraction of “monkey mind” chatter.

Tree pose is a standard balancing pose that can be adapted based on your skill level. It focuses on the small intestine meridian and increases abdominal circulation. Tree pose can also calm and relax the mind and nervous system, bringing more self-awareness. Points stimulated on the “Du” and small intestine meridians can anchor the QI, and open the mind to the truth of who we really are deep down.

Downward dog can always be the home base pose. It is a staple that can be used in almost every yoga practice. This pose focuses on the arms and shoulder meridians, which can improve heart and lung function. Increased function of these organs can help fight against allergies, viruses, anxiety and trouble sleeping. Downward dog can also help digestion and allow for increased blood flow. By stimulating the heart and the lung meridians, we can calm the emotions to help relieve severe anxiety and sadness while improving breathing ability thus oxygenating the brain! This pose focuses on the arms and shoulder meridians, which can improve heart and lung function. Increased function of these organs can help fight against allergies, viruses, anxiety and trouble sleeping. Downward dog can also help digestion and allows for increased blood flow.

To find out more about acupuncture and yoga at Durham House Chiropractic and Studio visit our website www.durhamhousechiropractic.co.uk or www.thestudiodurhamhouse.co.uk.

 

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A Connection between Pilates & Acupuncture

Pilates & Acupuncture

In recent years, holistic approaches to health have all seen a surge in popularity – and with good reason. More than just placebo effect, practices like acupuncture have demonstrated a positive impact on health and well-being.

Pilates is another discipline that  focus on core strength and balance.

Interestingly, both Pilates and acupuncture—have much in common. From similar effects on the body to a concentration on mental cohesion, Pilates and acupuncture offer a world of tangible benefits, especially when practiced simultaneously.

Same Systems?

Western medical acupuncture  involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles of the body.

This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins. It’s likely that these naturally released substances are responsible for the beneficial effects experienced with acupuncture.

Traditional acupuncture is based on the belief that an energy, or “life force”, flows through the body in channels called meridians. This life force is known as Qi (pronounced “chee”).

Practitioners who adhere to traditional beliefs about acupuncture believe that when Qi doesn’t flow freely through the body, this can cause illness. They also believe acupuncture can restore the flow of Qi, and so restore health.

Pilates also focuses on bodily movement. A typical Pilates regimen features movements designed to engage and rebalance the “myofascial meridians”. When these fascial and muscle chains are working in coordination the body can work as an integrated whole – a collaboration of many systems.

Real Relief

So, what really happens when you combine Pilates and acupuncture? According to new research published by The Mayo Clinic, acupuncture was found to dramatically relieve lower back pain and improve overall mobility.

With the addition of Pilates, the overall impact of acupuncture is only increased. Given that the overarching goal of Pilates is to improve core balance and function, the two practices can truly work in tandem – building a healthier and more balanced you.

If you would like to understand more about the benefits of acupuncture alongside your Pilates practice then visit our website www.durhamhousechiropractic.co.uk and book an appointment.

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Pancake Day done differently

About Pancake Day

Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday.

Lent – the 40 days leading up to Easter – was traditionally a time of fasting and on Shrove Tuesday,  Ango-Saxon Christians went to confession and were “shriven” (absolved from their sins). A bell would be rung to call people to confession. This came to be called the “Pancake Bell” and is still rung today.

Shrove Tuesday always falls 47 days before Easter Sunday, so the date varies from year to year. This year Shrove Tuesday is 5th March.

Shrove Tuesday was the last opportunity to use up eggs and fats before embarking on the Lenten fast and pancakes are the perfect way of using up these ingredients.

The pancake has a very long history and has featured in cookery books as far back as 1439. The tradition of tossing or flipping them is almost as old: “And every man and maide doe take their turne, And tosse their Pancakes up for feare they burne” (Pasquil’s Palin, 1619).

The ingredients for pancakes can be seen to symbolise four points of significance at this time of year:

Eggs ~ Creation
Flour ~ The staff of life
Salt ~ Wholesomeness
Milk ~ Purity

For some interesting alternatives, check out some of our versions below.

Banana Pancakes

Prep: 5 mins, Cook: 5 mins, Makes: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 large banana
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • Pinch of baking powder (gluten free if coeliac)
  • Splash of vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp oil

Preparation

  • In a bowl, mash 1 large banana with a fork
  • until it resembles a thick purée.
  • Stir in 2 beaten eggs, baking powder and
  • vanilla extract.
Vegan Pancakes

Prep: 5 mins, Cook: 25 mins with resting, Makes: 6 small pancakes

Ingredients

  • 125g gluten free plain flour
  • egg replacer equivalent to 1 egg
  • 250ml dairy free milk

Preparation

  • Put the flour in a bowl and make a well in the centre. Pour in the egg replacer and a quarter of the milk.
  • Use an electric whisk to thoroughly combine the mixture, then beat in another quarter of the milk. Once lump free, pour
    in the remaining milk.
  • Leave to rest for 20 minutes.
  • Stir again before using.
Spinach Protein Pancakes

Prep:15 mins, Cook: 20 mins, Makes: 12

Ingredients

  • 284ml pot of buttermik
  • 1 egg beaten
  • 2 poached eggs per person to serve (optional)
  • 200g spinach
  • 175g buckwheat flour
  • 1 tsp gluten free baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • pinch of paprika

Preparation

  • Boil the kettle and put the buttermilk and beaten egg in a food processor.
  • Put the spinach in a colander and pour over boiling water to wilt. Squeeze out any excess water, add to the processor and blitz to a smooth purée.
  • Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl and gradually mix in the purée.
Dairy Free Pancakes

Prep: 5 mins, Cook: 25 mins with resting, Makes: 8 small pancakes

Ingredients

  • 125g plain flour
  • 1 egg
  • 300ml dairy free milk

Preparation

  • Put the flour in a bowl and make a well in the centre. Crack the egg in the middle and pour in a quarter of the milk.
  • Use an electric or balloon whisk to thoroughly combine the mixture. Once you
    have a paste, mix in another quarter of milk. Once lump free, mix in the remaining milk.
  • Leave to rest for 20 minutes. Stir again before using.